72°
Partly Sunny
3%
77
Orange County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Three miles of state beach between Huntington and Sunset — quieter than Huntington Beach proper, fire rings allowed in the evening (a rare SoCal beach allowing this), and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve salt marsh across the highway is a top California birdwatching site.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
72°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 72°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 67°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
72 /100
great
66 Swim
76 Sunbathe
83 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Water level 0.5 ft above predicted
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
72°F
Partly Sunny
Wind
0 to 10 mph
SW
Rain
3%
Today
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 11 AM–02 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
72°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
67°F
Refreshing
Next High Tide
8:07 PM
7.1 ft · in 4.9h
Wave Height
3.3 ft
13s · SSW swell
Water Quality
Clean
160 cfu/100mL · Total Coliform
USGS · sampled 6mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
8:50 AM
Sunset
11:04 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:50 AM | Low | -1.3 ft |
| 9:30 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 1:42 PM | Low | 2.3 ft |
| 8:07 PM | High | 7.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:35 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 10:12 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 2:38 PM | Low | 2.2 ft |
| 8:57 PM | High | 7.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:18 AM | Low | -1.8 ft |
| 10:52 AM | High | 4.2 ft |
| 3:31 PM | Low | 2.0 ft |
| 9:46 PM | High | 7.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:01 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 11:32 AM | High | 4.4 ft |
| 4:23 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
| 10:34 PM | High | 6.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:41 AM | Low | -1.3 ft |
| 12:13 PM | High | 4.5 ft |
| 5:17 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| 11:21 PM | High | 6.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:20 AM | Low | -0.8 ft |
| 12:54 PM | High | 4.7 ft |
| 6:15 PM | Low | 1.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:10 AM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 6:58 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 1:37 PM | High | 4.8 ft |
| 7:20 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9410660, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
72°
Mostly Sunny
2%
74
74°
Mostly Sunny
1%
77
80°
Mostly Sunny
2%
82
78°
Mostly Sunny
5%
81
76°
Mostly Sunny
9%
80
77°
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
15%
78
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 67°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
State lots along PCH; $15/day.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Entry Fee
$15/vehicle.
Address
17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Bolsa Chica State Beach today?
Bolsa Chica State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Bolsa Chica State Beach dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
$15/vehicle.
Are there lifeguards at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Bolsa Chica State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.
What amenities are at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
Amenities at Bolsa Chica State Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, fire rings, campground (Sunset Beach side), wildlife reserve nearby.
When is the water warmest at Bolsa Chica State Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Bolsa Chica State Beach located?
Bolsa Chica State Beach is in Orange County, CA, at 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS